BBC MasterChef fans threaten to switch off after star 'butchers' British classic

BBC MasterChef fans have accused a contestant of "butchering" a classic British dish after declaring they are in "food hell." Judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode welcome the remaining chefs into the kitchen to cook a dish that revolved around beans as they welcomed food critic Leyla Kazim into the fold to offer up her expert opinion. But it was Kayleigh's dish of "falafel-inspired scotch egg" that had fans churning up some word vomit.

"#Masterchef sorry but she totally butchered a classic British dish with that scotch egg thing she made. It's an abomination!" Blasted one fan. "Love falafel. Love scotch egg. But not together!! #MasterChefUK," penned another. A third simply put: "food hell!" with a vomit emoji. Unfortunately for Kayleigh, the judges weren't impressed either, as she failed to win them over with her unusual concoction. Olivia impressed the judges after making gnocchi out of cannellini beans.

Fellow chef Paddy used beans three ways to make an open quesadilla - which the judges applauded.

Olivia and Paddy stole the show with their dishes, being the first to be sent through to the next round.

Fareeda was also given the boot for her marsala lamb chops and falafel dish, while Molly's butterbean stew had some delicous flavours but ultimately the judges were unimpressed with the dish and she was sent home.

The BBC series continues to be caught up in drama as reports claim a second contestant asked to be edited out of the currently-airing season.

According to BBC News, an unnamed contestant requested to be removed from the broadcast amid controversy surrounding the BBC's decision to air the season, which features hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode, before they were fired from the cooking competitions series.

A spokeswoman for Banijay UK, which produces the programme through Shine TV, confirmed: "One other contributor decided that given recent events they would like not to be included. We have of course accepted their wishes and edited them out of the show."

It follows claims from contestant Sarah Shafi, who revealed she too had been edited out after raising complaints.

The long-running presenters were axed last year after an investigation into unacceptable on-set behaviour.

Wallace faced more than 80 complaints, including allegations of sexual remarks, explicit jokes and one instance of unwanted physical contact. Torode was dragged into the scandal when claims resurfaced that he had used a racist term in 2018.

The latest season was filmed back in November, before the allegations became public. When they did, Wallace was replaced midway through by Irish chef Anna Hughes, though reports concerning Torode only emerged after filming wrapped.

Debate raged within the BBC over whether the season should be broadcast at all, but bosses ultimately decided to go ahead despite backlash from viewers and campaigners.